DISCOURAGE (def): to deprive of confidence, hope, or spirit.
It can be relatively easy to become discouraged. A series of negative, perhaps unexpected, events will do the trick. To think we are bad for getting discouraged as believers in Christ is being unduly harsh with yourself. We are human; created by God. That means we will fail, and God will understand and love us anyway.
Do you realize that nothing you think, say or do will ever cause our Lord to stop loving you. So, if you get discouraged, or downcast, look up and ask the Lord to lift you out of your malaise. Begin to seek out scriptures that will edify you. SHIFT YOUR FOCUS off that which depresses and gaze upon Jesus, the author and completer of our faith. Let your belief in God take over. Know that He is with you and wants to bless you.
“Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”-Psalms 143:7-8 Here, David is losing hope, for he is paralyzed by fear and a deep depression. There are definitely times when we are down and cannot seem to lift ourselves out of it. David embodies that here. In subsequent verses he remembers those things God had done for him and wishes to do His will. If you ask the Lord to restructure your priorities it will re-awaken your mind to the things of God and bring you to the place where you once again desire to do His will. Simply put, we must distract our minds off the negative by refocusing on things that are positive to leave discouragement behind. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: Verse notes from the Life Application Study Bible.
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